Central Otago District, Alexandra

20 hours ago

Why are ghosts such bad liars?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

...You can see right through them.

No, we haven't lost the plot! July 1st is International Joke Day and because laughter is good for your body, we want to get involved.

So, go on, jokers! Share your best joke below...

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20 hours ago

The Sunday Star-Times Winter Puzzle Comp is Back!

Winter Puzzle

This July we have your chance to win a share of $5,000 in supermarket gift cards! Simply grab a copy of your local newspaper, throw on your thinking cap, and complete the daily puzzles to be in to win.

From 1 July - 28 July, we will be placing a daily puzzle in your newspaper. Solve the puzzle, … View more
This July we have your chance to win a share of $5,000 in supermarket gift cards! Simply grab a copy of your local newspaper, throw on your thinking cap, and complete the daily puzzles to be in to win.

From 1 July - 28 July, we will be placing a daily puzzle in your newspaper. Solve the puzzle, find the prize word, and enter it online. Complete all 28 puzzles for a higher chance to WIN.

To find out more about participating newspapers, click here

The Team at Stuff and Sunday Star-Times
Find out more

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20 hours ago

What am I?

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I am a box that holds keys without locks, yet my keys can unlock your deepest senses. What am I?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want … View more
I am a box that holds keys without locks, yet my keys can unlock your deepest senses. What am I?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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5 hours ago

Try Joy’s Oven Hāngi Recipe

Yvette Williams Retirement Village

This warming Hāngi recipe, created by Joy from Murray Halberg Village, serves six people with plenty of leftovers to enjoy the next day. Serve hot and enjoy with family or friends on a chilly winters night.

Click read more for the full recipe.

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5 hours ago

Council boss apologises after bollard blindside at Hakatere

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Hakatere Huts residents have been blindsided by a decision that was hailed by Ashburton councillors as a compromise.

A working group focusing on issues at the Upper Hakatere reserve in Mid Canterbury was set up after locals protested the closure of … View more
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Hakatere Huts residents have been blindsided by a decision that was hailed by Ashburton councillors as a compromise.

A working group focusing on issues at the Upper Hakatere reserve in Mid Canterbury was set up after locals protested the closure of the Upper Hakatere reserve to camping and the installation of bollards in February 2023.

Residents were shocked to discover the council recently made a decision on a recommendation they never agreed to.

Following questions from Local Democracy Reporting, Ashburton District Council chief executive Hamish Riach issued an apology, accepting a report to the council “contained a misstatement”.

“It stated that the working group had come to a recommended position on the bollards and camping ground at Upper Hakatere reserve and that I now know this isn’t true,” Riach said.

“The working group has thus far failed to reach a consensus point of view.

“Given council’s decision was based on the inaccurate report, we have decided to ask the working group to meet again and the outcome of that meeting will be relayed to councillors at a meeting in August.

“This will enable council to reconsider the current decision with full and accurate knowledge of the working group’s position.”

The council erected the bollards blocking vehicle access from the grassed area in February 2023.

Residents filed a petition earlier this year calling for the removal of the bollards and to restore the area as a campsite.

A working group - consisting of councillors Russell Ellis, Tony Todd, and Richard Wilson with Hakatere represented by Gary Clancy TJ Jonker, and Sheryl Hendriksen - met to find a solution and then held a site visit.

From those meetings, a recommendation to reposition the bollards to improve access to the picnic area but continue to prohibit camping was approved by the council last Wednesday.

The Hakatere trio that served on the working group were dumbfounded to learn the following day that a recommendation had even been tabled by the council.

Clancy said he was astounded to learn a decision had been made as the residents were under the impression the working group would meet again to finalise a proposal.

“We have been waiting for an invitation to another meeting so to learn of a decision is a bolt out of the blue.”

They had a verbal commitment they felt was “crystal clear” that there would be a follow-up meeting, but instead the process had been brought to a conclusion without their knowledge.

“It’s very disappointing and disgraceful the way the council had reneged on that commitment and gone ahead and decided without the courtesy of even letting us know a decision was being made”.

As far as the actual decision, the resolution was not what the majority of the residents were hoping for, he said.

The petition, signed by 94 residents, wanted the removal of the bollards and reinstatement of camping at the reserve.

“A reposition isn’t removal so we haven’t got anything we asked for.

“Vehicle access to the grass was the whole point.”

The resident's representatives on the working group were “never mandated to negotiate a compromise”, he said.

Following the decision on Wednesday, Ashburton mayor Neil Brown said the working group achieved its role of finding a solution, “which is always better than the alternative of no solution”.

Councillor Phill Hooper agreed it was “a fair compromise”.

Wilson said it was a difficult process but they knew they needed to come to a decision and he hoped the community could accept the resolution as “a good outcome”.

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1 day ago

Sense and Sensibility: A Rambunctious Reimagining

Circa Theatre

Jane Austen’s classic tale of sisters, suitors and losing your senses performs at Circa Theatre this July. Six spectacular women breathe life into 24 characters in this Regency-era romp bursting with hilarity, throbbing hearts, and vivid theatricality.

The latest rollicking rewrite by comedian… View more
Jane Austen’s classic tale of sisters, suitors and losing your senses performs at Circa Theatre this July. Six spectacular women breathe life into 24 characters in this Regency-era romp bursting with hilarity, throbbing hearts, and vivid theatricality.

The latest rollicking rewrite by comedian Penny Ashton – a hoot and a half for Austen fans and novices alike.

6 July - 3 August at Circa Theatre

6:30pm Tue - Thu, 8pm Fri - Sat, 4pm Sun
Find out more

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7 days ago

Poll: Is it still rude to wear a hat inside?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Times have changed and perhaps so has our societal rules around taking off hats when indoors. What are your thoughts?

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Is it still rude to wear a hat inside?
  • 74.6% Yes, take them off indoors
    74.6% Complete
  • 24.3% No, it's not anymore
    24.3% Complete
  • 1% Other - I'll share below
    1% Complete
3947 votes
1 day ago

Retire in comfort and security

Greenview Park Village

Premium care just meters away form our village. Join our caring community, where passion thrives. Trust Terrace Kennedy House for exceptional care and meaningful connections. Find out more

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4 days ago

Product recalls this month

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

These items have been recalled this month. If you have one of these items at home, click on the title to see the details to ensure it is not a risk to your household.

Food recalls:
Hubbards brand BeMighty granola blueberry & seeds
Leslies Clover chips bbq flavour
View more
These items have been recalled this month. If you have one of these items at home, click on the title to see the details to ensure it is not a risk to your household.

Food recalls:
Hubbards brand BeMighty granola blueberry & seeds
Leslies Clover chips bbq flavour
Sabres fresh & frozen ready meals
Pams plant based creamy tomato pasta bake

Product recalls:
Farmers brand girls jockey singlet
Vitamix container and blade bases
Crocs Jibbitz
Digital Notepads
City Beach novelty light
LED strip light
Hansa Chipper
Kawasaki Spartan mower

We hope this message was helpful in keeping you and your family safe.

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3 days ago

30 Years of Homes & Gardens

NZ House & Garden

It’s NZ House & Garden’s 30th birthday, and to celebrate they’ve put together a great offer that’ll light up your home. Purchase or gift a 1 or 2-year subscription to NZ House & Garden and receive a Living Light luxury soy candle worth $56.90 for FREE*.

Enjoy inspirational home … View more
It’s NZ House & Garden’s 30th birthday, and to celebrate they’ve put together a great offer that’ll light up your home. Purchase or gift a 1 or 2-year subscription to NZ House & Garden and receive a Living Light luxury soy candle worth $56.90 for FREE*.

Enjoy inspirational home & garden content, convenient monthly home delivery, exclusive subscriber-only discounts, up to 27% off retail, and a Living Light luxury soy candle worth $56.90 when you become part of the NZ House & Garden community. *T&Cs apply.
Find out more

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7 days ago

Let's go to the movies...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Congratulations to these winners who've each won a $50 cinema gift card:

Nicole Macpherson from Cambridge

Amy Smith from Rotorua

Lauchlan Young from Meadowbank

View more
Congratulations to these winners who've each won a $50 cinema gift card:

Nicole Macpherson from Cambridge

Amy Smith from Rotorua

Lauchlan Young from Meadowbank

John Harris from Christchurch

Pauline Castle from Thorndon

Get in touch here before the 2nd of July, winners!

We have prize draws every Tuesday so make sure you come back every week and check whether you're a winner.

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4 days ago

Time for a clear-out?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Delve back into that garage or wardrobe! It's time to sell your gently-loved goods at The Neighbourly Winter (online!) Garage Sale

On Saturday 6th July, members will be online checking out the goods on offer so it's a great time to get rid of your winter clutter.

Maybe it's … View more
Delve back into that garage or wardrobe! It's time to sell your gently-loved goods at The Neighbourly Winter (online!) Garage Sale

On Saturday 6th July, members will be online checking out the goods on offer so it's a great time to get rid of your winter clutter.

Maybe it's time to realise that you're never going to use that snowboard or ski jacket, and that you really do have one too many heaters. Whatever it is, take a picture and put it on Neighbourly for locals to see.
List an item now

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7 days ago

Residents ‘dig’ Ryman’s Trees for Fees initiative

Yvette Williams Retirement Village

With 500 trees now newly-planted on a slope in a Whitford farm paddock, Ryman Healthcare is well on the way to fulfilling its promise of a more sustainable invoicing process.

For every resident who switches from paper to email invoicing, Ryman has pledged to plant a tree, and has partnered with … View more
With 500 trees now newly-planted on a slope in a Whitford farm paddock, Ryman Healthcare is well on the way to fulfilling its promise of a more sustainable invoicing process.

For every resident who switches from paper to email invoicing, Ryman has pledged to plant a tree, and has partnered with Trees for Survival Charitable Trust to achieve this goal.

Click read more for the full story.

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4 days ago

$69 Dental Check up & X-rays

ConfiDental Hillsborough

Hi neighbours. I'm Dr Siri and I'm a highly experienced dentist with a new approach to dentistry. We perform minimally invasive dentistry with advanced technologies like Cerec, Diagnodent, laser, and air abrasion. For our squeamish neighbours, we offer sedation for pain-free dentistry.

View more
Hi neighbours. I'm Dr Siri and I'm a highly experienced dentist with a new approach to dentistry. We perform minimally invasive dentistry with advanced technologies like Cerec, Diagnodent, laser, and air abrasion. For our squeamish neighbours, we offer sedation for pain-free dentistry.

We have a special new patient offer that includes a dental exam and x-ray for just $69, as well as flexible payment plans.

Come in for a free orthodontic/Invisalign consultation. We offer $1000 off Invisalign and free home whitening kit.

Check us out (you can book online!) or give us a call on (09) 625 1411 for further details. Spare 30 minutes of your time for an appointment and see for yourself why so many Aucklanders love us!

Find us at 150 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough.

* Does not apply to check-ups and cleans.
Find out more

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15 days ago

Do you volunteer or know someone who does?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It's NZ Volunteer Week (16-22 June) and we know there are real good sorts in your community.

Often these kind acts and regular volunteering efforts go unnoticed but let's put a stop to that.

Let us know below who is making a difference in your neighbourhood so we can all … View more
It's NZ Volunteer Week (16-22 June) and we know there are real good sorts in your community.

Often these kind acts and regular volunteering efforts go unnoticed but let's put a stop to that.

Let us know below who is making a difference in your neighbourhood so we can all appreciate them for the great work that they do!

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4 days ago

The mobile breast screen unit is coming to Levin

Mid Central DHB

Levin Mobile, next to War Memorial, Queen Street, Levin.

Click here to book an appointment or call us at 0800 270 200.
Find out more

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9 days ago

New Lottery, New Home

Heart Foundation Lotteries

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in the charming coastal town of Mangawhai, worth almost $1.4 million dollars.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be … View more
For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in the charming coastal town of Mangawhai, worth almost $1.4 million dollars.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new owner.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or you can simply sell it!

Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Find out more

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4 days ago

Mānawatia a Matariki from Auckland Zoo

Auckland Zoo

As a zoo in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Auckland Zoo is committed to enhancing the wellbeing of its communities and te ao Māori.

Bringing nature into your everyday life is proven to improve your physical and mental wellbeing – and the best part is that we can connect with nature everywhere!
View more
As a zoo in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Auckland Zoo is committed to enhancing the wellbeing of its communities and te ao Māori.

Bringing nature into your everyday life is proven to improve your physical and mental wellbeing – and the best part is that we can connect with nature everywhere!

That's why for this Matariki, we're encouraging our communities to take time to reflect, renew and reconnect with Papatūānuku.

Watch how the Zoo's kaimahi connect with Papatūānuku
Find out more

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10 days ago

Spice up your winter

Yvette Williams Retirement Village

When it’s cold outside, there's nothing quite like being inside the cosy warmth of a kitchen infused with the aroma of spices. But did you know that beyond their aromatic allure, these spices harbour a treasure trove of health benefits?

From the fiery kick of chilli to the sweet warmth of… View more
When it’s cold outside, there's nothing quite like being inside the cosy warmth of a kitchen infused with the aroma of spices. But did you know that beyond their aromatic allure, these spices harbour a treasure trove of health benefits?

From the fiery kick of chilli to the sweet warmth of cinnamon, each spice brings not only flavour but also a host of nutrients and healing properties to our winter dishes. So, whether you're sipping on mulled wine, indulging in gingerbread, or savouring a hearty stew, every bite promises to not just please your palate but also contribute to your overall wellbeing.

Click read more for the full story.

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6 days ago

NZ Made Knitwear Sale – Save the Date!

McDonald Textiles

Save the date! Join us for a 2-day sale on the 28th and 29th June. Come and pick up some beautiful winter knits designed to last a lifetime.

Enjoy up to 80% off our wide range of possum merino & merino garments and accessories from NZ made brands Standard Issue, McDonald, and Royal Merino. … View more
Save the date! Join us for a 2-day sale on the 28th and 29th June. Come and pick up some beautiful winter knits designed to last a lifetime.

Enjoy up to 80% off our wide range of possum merino & merino garments and accessories from NZ made brands Standard Issue, McDonald, and Royal Merino.

Located at 4B Lockhart Place, Mt Wellington. 10am to 4pm daily, see you there!
Find out more

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10 days ago

How do you cook swede?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Have you got a great recipe for swede? We're looking for delicious swede recipes to feature in NZ Gardener's August issue. Send your family's favourite ways to eat this root crop to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by June 28, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the August issue of … View moreHave you got a great recipe for swede? We're looking for delicious swede recipes to feature in NZ Gardener's August issue. Send your family's favourite ways to eat this root crop to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by June 28, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the August issue of NZ Gardener.

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7 days ago

Keep yourself protected against Covid

Ministry of Health

It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.

The good news is, keeping up to date with the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free. And… View more
It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.

The good news is, keeping up to date with the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free. And recommended for you and many others as long as you haven’t had the vaccine, or Covid, in the last 6 months.

To book your vaccination, or talk to your healthcare provider.
Find out more

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11 days ago

Berry trellis

The Team from Resene ColorShop Dunedin

Give your berries room to grow and plenty of airflow with this helpful trellis finished in Resene Kwila Timber Stain. Keeping the canes off the ground means berries stay healthy and are easy to reach when ready to pick.

Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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